In the late 17th century, a strange epidemic spread throughout Europe. Known as "Struck by Witch Fever," this mysterious illness affected countless individuals, causing them to exhibit bizarre symptoms and behaviors. The main idea of this phenomenon was the fear and hysteria surrounding witchcraft. During this period, beliefs in witchcraft were still prevalent among the general population. Many believed that witches held immense power and could cause harm to others through spells and curses. This widespread fear of witches coupled with a lack of scientific knowledge and understanding led to the phenomenon of "Struck by Witch Fever.
This widespread fear of witches coupled with a lack of scientific knowledge and understanding led to the phenomenon of "Struck by Witch Fever." The symptoms of "Struck by Witch Fever" were diverse and often difficult to explain. People affected by the illness would experience intense hallucinations, tremors, and convulsions.
Bitten By Witch Fever Wallpaper & Arsenic in the Nineteenth-Century Home
In Germany, in 1814, Wilhelm Sattler created an extremely toxic arsenic and verdigris compound pigment, Schweinfurt green–known also as Paris, Vienna, or emerald green–which became an instant favorite amongst designers and manufacturers the world over, thanks to its versatility in creating enduring yellows, vivid greens, and brilliant blues. Most insidiously, the arsenic-laced pigment made its way into intricately patterned, brightly colored wallpapers and from there, as they became increasingly in vogue, into the Victorian home. As its use became widespread, commercial arsenic mines increased production to meet the near-insatiable demand. Not least of which was the UK’s largest mining plant, DGC whose owner was William Morris, originator of the British Arts and Crafts movement and arguably the finest wallpaper designer of his generation.
Bitten by Witch Fever (Morris’s own phrase to dismiss arsenic- and- wall-paper-related public health concerns in 1885) tells this fatal story of Victorian home décor, building upon new research conducted especially for this book by the British National Archive, on their own samples. Spliced between the sections of text are stunning facsimiles of the wallpapers themselves.
Some even claimed to see apparitions of witches in their presence. The fear and panic caused by these symptoms further exacerbated the situation, leading to further belief in the power of witches. It is believed that these symptoms were not caused by any supernatural force, but rather by a common fungus known as ergot. Ergot is a natural occurrence in rye and wheat crops and contains a potent hallucinogenic compound. Consumption of contaminated grains, either through direct ingestion or indirect exposure, could lead to the symptoms associated with "Struck by Witch Fever." The culmination of religious beliefs, lack of scientific knowledge, and the presence of ergot in crops created a perfect storm for the phenomenon of "Struck by Witch Fever." The fear and hysteria surrounding witchcraft fuelled the spread of the illness, as people sought explanations for their strange symptoms. Eventually, as scientific advancements and education progressed, people began to realize the true cause of "Struck by Witch Fever." The understanding that ergot poisoning was responsible for the symptoms helped dispel the belief in witchcraft as the root cause. Additionally, improved agricultural practices and knowledge about crop contamination reduced the occurrence of ergotism and further diminished the prevalence of the illness. The phenomenon of "Struck by Witch Fever" serves as a reminder of the power of collective beliefs and the importance of scientific inquiry. It highlights how fear and ignorance can lead to widespread panic and misguided conclusions. While the episode may seem absurd in hindsight, it offers valuable insights into the historical context and the human capacity for irrational thinking..
Reviews for "The Historical Context of Witch Fever: Superstition and Fear"
- John Smith - 2 stars - I was disappointed with "Struck by witch fever". The book felt more like a collection of random facts about wallpaper than a cohesive narrative about the history of arsenic-based wallpaper. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their knowledge of wallpaper trivia rather than telling a compelling story. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of the societal impacts and consequences of using toxic materials in home decor, but instead, I got a shallow examination of wallpaper trends. Overall, the book lacked focus and failed to deliver on its promise.
- Sarah Johnson - 1 star - I struggled to find any enjoyment in "Struck by witch fever". The writing style was dry and filled with unnecessarily complex terminology that made it difficult to understand. It felt like the author was writing for an audience of wallpaper enthusiasts rather than a general audience interested in the history of design. Additionally, the book lacked structure and organization, making it hard to follow the timeline of events. I found myself skipping entire chapters due to the lack of engagement. Overall, I feel this book missed the mark and failed to provide an interesting and accessible exploration of the topic.
- James Thompson - 2 stars - "Struck by witch fever" was a letdown for me. While the concept of exploring the dangers of arsenic-based wallpaper was intriguing, the execution fell flat. The author seemed more focused on providing intricate details about specific wallpaper designs rather than delving into the broader implications of using toxic materials in homes. The lack of depth in the analysis left me wanting more substantial content. Additionally, the book lacked cohesiveness, jumping between different time periods and styles without a clear narrative thread. Overall, I felt the book missed an opportunity to deeply investigate an interesting historical topic.